Code-Alarm Set to Ship 1,000,000th Optical Impact Sensor
7 January 2000
Code-Alarm Set to Ship 1,000,000th Optical Impact Sensor
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Jan. 7 -- Code-Alarm, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: CODL) said it expects to ship its one-millionth infrared
impact sensor during the month of January -- making it the fastest-selling new
product in the company's 21-year history.
The infrared sensors, which use optical technology to thwart would-be car
thieves, were introduced in late 1997, when the Company debuted its award-
winning Infra-Red Sensor (IR-s(TM)) for the aftermarket. In 1998, the U.S.
Patent Office awarded Code-Alarm Patent Number 5,805,056 for the technology,
which is now also sold to automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
"The infrared optical technology has been a home run for Code-Alarm and,
more importantly, the car and truck owners who have one of our sensors
installed in their vehicles," said Rand Mueller, chairman and chief executive
officer of Code-Alarm. "The rapid sales growth of this product, the
overwhelmingly positive response from aftermarket dealers, and the interest
generated among the world's leading automakers affirms the investments we have
put into this patented technology."
Impact sensors, which protect vehicle contents as well as parts such as
airbags and car audio systems, can serve as the "eyes and ears" of alarm
systems, sensing any impact to the car and signaling the "brains" of the
system to either emit a warning sound or full siren. They are essential in
protecting against vehicle tampering, theft by towing, smash-and-grab crimes
and theft of parts.
Code-Alarm currently uses the technology for two applications:
* The IR-s(TM): Designed for aftermarket applications, the IR-s
(pronounced "the I.R.S.") is the standard impact sensor sold with all Code-
Alarm(TM) and Chapman(TM) branded security systems. Introduced in November
1997, the IR-s has been praised by mobile electronics retailers and several
trade publications for its effectiveness and ease of installation. The IR-s
was named an Innovations '99 winner by the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers
Association (CEMA).
* The IT-s(TM): Designed for OEM applications, the IT-s (pronounced "the
its") is a standalone sensor that can be integrated with a factory-installed
security system -- either on the factory floor or at the vehicle dealership.
The IT-s debuted in November 1998 as a dealer-installed accessory for the 1999
Jeep Grand Cherokee, and is now available for several other DaimlerChrysler
vehicles. The IT-s is also installed by General Motors Corp. as a factory-
installed component on several mid-sized car and minivan models.
Both sensors employ the patented infrared, light-reflecting technology,
which works in a similar fashion to a compact disc player. When armed, an
emitter light in the sensor sends a constant signal to a reflector, which
bounces the signal back to a receiver. Any impact to the car causes the
reflector to move and interrupts the signal, which sets off the alarm.
"The use of infrared optical technology has enabled our engineers to
create a sensor that offers improved omni-directional sensing, low current
draw and better manufactured quality," Mueller said. "It also has virtually
eliminated the false sensing that plagued previous technologies."
Michael Schroeder, vice president of sales and marketing of Code-Alarm,
said: "The optical impact sensor is a great example of our effort to make
technology that talks to cars and trucks. Our 15 years of experience as a
supplier to the world's leading automakers has enabled us to design products
that can be easily and safely integrated with any vehicle's electronics. At
the same time, we've listened to our dealers and to consumers in an effort to
make products that are simple to sell, simple to install and, most
importantly, simple for the consumer to use."
For more information about Code-Alarm's award-winning infrared impact
sensors, call 800-421-3209. Visit the company at the Winter Consumer
Electronics Show in Las Vegas at Sands Convention Center - Booth #18445.
Code-Alarm manufactures vehicle security, remote keyless-entry and car-
start products for the world's top automakers, including General Motors, Ford,
DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Honda, Kia, Toyota and Volkswagen. The
Company also sells its products in 35 countries around the globe under the
Code-Alarm(TM) and Chapman(TM) brand names.